Most kids aren't really going to appreciate the gifts they get at First Communion now, but they will someday. For the boy that is your dear friends son I would get a crucifix for the last rites or a proper family bible, these are wonderful family treasures that can be passed down over the years. For the other boy a would get a small room crucifix or a regular bible.

Personally I'd call his mom and ask her what he likes and then buy him a spectacular book on the subject--something he is not likely to just pick up at the mall. The keeper kind, with a lovely inscription from your family. The other boy could receive a somewhat less expensive but equally personal volume.

$50 for the close friends son and $20 for the nephew would be appropriate IMHO.

Alexa

I typically give a bond. In this case $200.00 worth of Series E bonds is a nice gift for $100.00 and will be mature by the time they're ready for college.

For those who think $100.00 is too much to spend, buy one $100.00 bond for $50.00.

Again, gift types and amounts are very regional, although for NJ, this shouldn't be off the mark.

As for the firend, perhaps one of those Mall gift certificates (we have Simon here) for $25.00 is nice. Or, just give him ethe cash and a nice card.

Hope this helps,

Sue

I am Godfather to my friend's son, and I gave $200 worth, $100 bill plus a cross & chain worth $100. When it was my niece's baptism, I gave $200 or $250. My cash gifts for both was with the intention that it would go towards her education fund. Another person here had a good idea which is similar to the education fund, bonds...

I agree with what I think someone said above, stuff like chains, crosses, plaques should be reserved for the Godparents. As for the others, the best advice is to give money which would go into an RESP or whatever you call your savings plans for an education fund...

And like Eileen said (which I will increase), $250 to $350 is the going rate these days for a wedding gift (to cover your plate plus a little extra as a gift) , so I would have to say $50-$200 would be the rate for other big monumental events, depending on who's kid it is...

Also keep in mind on where the event is being held. Don't expect to give $20 if after the Baptism, First Communion or Confirmation, you are heading to some posh restaurant for the celebration, or heading back to the person's house for a catered meal...the unwritten rule of thumb is to cover your plate, plus a little extra as a gift....

But of course, you do what is in your means, that is what counts in the end...

Sometimes for birthdays, it is better to buy something that might come across as more expensive, like a hot toy that you might only pay $20 for. In that case, the toy might be enjoyed more by the child than the $20 in a card...

My .02, take it or leave it....

Let's see -- how would Jesus do it?

Why don't you just send her an invoice for $80? After all, you seem to see this as a business transaction.

But there is a lot to be said for your idea of a passive-aggressive Facebook post on godparent gifts. No one could possibly see through that.

I'm not Catholic, but I suspect that this attitude is not exactly consonant with the meaning of a First Communion. Maybe the godmother should have been more generous, and I happen to agree that if she wanted to spend that amount, a necklace or Bible or something would have been a better idea than cash, but that is her bad karma (not to mix religions here). Please get over your disappointment and act like a lady.

Expecting/demanding pricy gifts? Hmmmm...in my circle of friends and family that I choose to surround myself with, that's not the case. Perhaps you're running in the wrong circles.

Oh - by the way - that's my personal opinion. I guess you're really not looking for personal opinions, but rather agreement with your stance. Sorry.

To be honest, we don't really care about the gifts and/or money nor my son. The most important thing to us is that our dear Godparents, Family and friends will be there to witness he sacrament. It truly is a blessed day. If you are insisting to get a gift here is a tip. We are very much in love with our God and our church, so gifts that represent our Lord are always very welcome, however some families actually just have 1st Communion to have that sacrament to their children and never go back to church.

My son loves receiving Holy Gifts, the have children's books, toys, keepsakes and so much more.

I would say that Godparents usually give a nice religious gift in remembrance of this special day, as well as family. Friends, I am happy with a card for myself, but if giving to someone on their day, I would say $20 would be fine, but base it on your budget and what your heart wants to give or if you have a store near you that sells Christine items then I am sure you could find some fun stuff for him/her.

Remember this is a very special day and he/she will love whatever you may give them for remembrance of their sacrament.

Tip, if you are buying passages and are Catholic, be sure you are buying a Catholic approved items, Catholic bibles are marked as being approved by Diocese.